Bidwell House to Present Three-Part Lecture on Gravestones

MONTEREY, Mass. — The Bidwell House Museum will present three-part lecture and walk series about gravestone making in 18th and 19th century western Massachusetts on Sept. 24 and on Oct. 1 and 8

All three talks will be held at 1 p.m. the Bidwell House Museum and live streamed via Zoom. For the last two talks, attendees have the option to purchase a ticket for just the talk or the talk and cemetery walk together.

First, on Sept. 24, former Director of the New Haven Museum and Connecticut Landmarks, William Hosley, will present "Reflections on the Marble Corridor" about the stone cutting industry along the Taconic Ridge (today’s Rte 7) that was a hive of activity in the 18th and 19th century. 

Then on Oct. 1, local author John Hanson will present his talk "A Field Guide to New England Gravestones" where he will show you how to read and interpret the iconography of early gravestones. His talk will be followed by a walk at the Old Center Cemetery in New Marlborough.

Finally, on Oct.  8, historical archaeologist, Bob Drinkwater, will present his talk "That the Dead be not Forgotten" where he will share material from his book, In Memory of Susan Freedom: Searching for Gravestones of African Americans in Western Massachusetts. His talk will also be followed by a cemetery walk in Monterey.

Due to limited seating, tickets must be purchased in advance on the Museum website, https://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/events/. All Zoom participants will receive a link to access the lecture a couple of days in advance. 

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